Did you know the average NRL game attracts around 21,000 fans? On August 10th, Sydney absolutely eclipsed that number, with 90,000 people taking part in the legendary City2Surf. Since 1971, the city has come to a standstill for this 14km run from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach, a celebration of endurance, community, and resilience.
And speaking of resilience—Elijah, our very own Happiness Ambassador, was right there in the crowd for the fifth time since his life-changing accident.
Each year, Elijah edges closer to his ultimate goal: running the full 14km just like he did back in 2015. This year marked a major milestone—he pushed his wheelchair for 6km, then walked the final 2km independently.
For the first time in five years, Elijah was able to walk at eye level with other participants. A small shift for many, but for Elijah, it was a giant step forward—literally and symbolically.
“You might be faster, more able, more capable than me,” Elijah says.
“But you’re not going to outwork me. I’ll always take one more step, do one more rep—I’ll make you regret trying to outwork me.”
Every year, Elijah completes the run alongside his close friend Joey. Together, they push each other—physically and mentally—fuelled by the shared promise: to keep going until Elijah is running again.
It’s not a matter of if. It’s just a matter of when.
He may not be running the full course yet, but there’s no doubt: Elijah will complete all 14km on his own, and then? He’ll be back running it like before.
Elijah embodies everything we stand for here at TRS. His positivity is infectious, his determination unmatched, and his presence in the office lifts us all. That’s why he’s more than just a Happiness Ambassador—he’s a daily reminder of what it means to never give up.
